Pages

Monday, September 16, 2013

Nigeria need to prepare well for Ethiopia, says Christian Chukwu

The former coach of the national team says that the Super Eagles have been given a fair draw against the Walya Antelopes but they need to keep up their tempo ahead of Brazil

Former Nigeria coach Christian Chukwu has urged the country to prepare well for their double-header against Ethiopia in the 2014 World Cup play-offs starting next month.

The Super Eagles were pitted against the Walya Antelopes during Monday’s draw in Cairo.

Chukwu who captained Nigeria to their 1980 Africa Cup of Nations win said that the draw favours the Super Eagles who have been doing well so far.

“It’s a good fixture for us,” Chukwu told Goal. “Our preparation has been going on well and we should continue like this until we get to Brazil.

“We need to add one or two friendlies with countries that have altitude like Ethiopia. Kenya has the same climate, so it could be good,” Chukwu said.

Ethiopia have seen a resurgence in their football since returning to the Africa Cup of Nations this year after a 31 year absence. The Antelopes trumped South Africa on their way to the final qualifying stage where they will now meet the Super Eagles for the second time this year after losing 2-0 in the last group game of the Afcon in January.

The first leg will be played by October 11-15 in Addis Ababa while Nigeria will host the return leg by November 11-15. The winner of the encounter will play at the World Cup in Brazil.http://www.goal.com